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PDAs -- The Next Step in Computer Technology
In the early 1990s, when
‘mobile computing’ first emerged as the potential savior of every
pallid, hunched over desk-jockey, an endless array of laptop and
notebook devices quickly flooded the market, each with its own ‘killer’
applications and ‘sexy’ design features.
In the mean time, however, designers have already directed their focus
towards the next ‘evolutionary step’ - developing a computer you can
hold in your hand.
And though the time between conception and delivery was punctuated by
many false-starts and failures, the PDA - or Personal Digital Assistant
- was eventually born: the proud offspring of enhanced miniature
processing technology and a good deal of imagination.
While the first prototypes struggled with limited memory and a lack of
compatible software, the PDA circa-2002 is capable of performing
countless complex tasks.
According to information technology consultant, Mark Reiken, types of
software purpose-built for these devices now include financial info and
trading applications, GIS mapping information for field workers and
‘office connectivity’ for traveling sales forces.
“PDAs can also support various existing PC applications,” he adds. “This
normally can be loaded onto the PDA for an Internet download, or by
loading the software onto a Flash Memory card, which in essence is a
PDA’s hard drive.”
“Those industry-specific applications are really the key for PDA growth
outside the ‘yuppie office toy’ sphere,” comments Raviv Aloni, a
computer systems expert.
According to Aloni, limited and de-featured software is – and will
continue to be – the norm for a while yet. “This is partially a function
of the low price, the non-Windows environment and the ‘other’
applications the device is designated for,” he says.
Obviously, a scarcity of software titles means diminished versatility -
a problem, which is something that is starting to be turned around.
“For example, Pocket PC 2002 was designed by Microsoft to support all of
their applications. However, some third party software titles will not
install straight onto a PDA,” says computer technician, Brian Webb. “In
the future, if there are a lot of PDAs, developers will develop for
them.”
“The answer really depends on the specific application developed,” adds
Aloni.
“In some business environments they would be of no use, and in some they
stand to revolutionize industries, especially where notebooks have been
considered too expensive or large to put in the hands of front line
staff.”
But has this industry-wide push come too late? Will the PDA’s
combination of mobility and (ever-increasing) power eventually catch on
across the wider community?
Figures recently released by IT market research company Inform show PDA
sales fell 12.5 percent by volume in September, and the blame is being
shifted by some towards the notion that consumers have been put off by
[the high price].
“I don't believe the price tag is a problem,” argues Reiken. ”It is
simply a case of not enough user education in the benefits of using
wireless devices and alike, and the true benefits that they can
provide”.
“PDA's will survive as they are becoming as powerful as notebooks and
tablet PCs,” adds Webb. “In fact, I have stats from Ericsson that state
that PDA sales will outstrip desktop computer sales by 2007.”
On the other hand, Raviv Aloni says the price-point of entry-level,
right through to high-end PDAs needs to come down to a more
“consumer-friendly” mark.
“The functionality now achieved by the [expensive] PDA, coupled with
third-generation mobile phone functions and business applications, at a
lower price, should be very attractive for businesses,” he argues.
“Also, a folding keyboard, infrared modem, cut down Word and Excel and
an even lower price would make them a great student tool, especially
with a full size keyboard, mouse and a monitor at home.”
“I believe PDAs will survive, however, I expect there will be a merge
with mobile phone technology,” adds Reiken. “These new PDA/mobile
devices will be able to equip users with the ability to access Internet
resources anywhere, anytime, providing total connectivity.”
“As user adoption increases there will be a natural progression towards
wireless devices,” he continues. “And as the ‘word of mouth’ spreads,
the early and late majority will find themselves catching onto the
technology and never letting go of it.”
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